Abstract

Delicate primary volcanic features such as ash layers, volcaniclastic breccias, and pillow lavas with amygdaloidal rims have been identified in a terrigenous volcanosedimentary sequence forming part of the ultrahigh-pressure unit of the Dabie Shan, China. The presence of coesite relics in crosscutting dikes confirms an ultrahigh-pressure evolution for the entire sequence. Evaluation of the probable reaction history for zeolite compositions as supposed for the amygdaloidal rims reveals a scarcity of reactions at very high pressures. Such special conditions of low reactivity and fluid-conserving reactions, combined with a lack of directed stress, have allowed the remarkable preservation of these primary volcanic features despite deep subduction.